I’m Usain should continue his progression through the grades in the 1100m Benchmark Handicap at Scone on Thursday.
The Albert Stapleford-trained gelding showed promise during a two start maiden prep in the spring which culminated with a success at Muswellbrook.
A short break ensued before I’m Usain scored a dominant win over 1100m when resuming at this course on December 28.
I’m Usain on that occasion still did plenty wrong however got by in the Benchmark 55 Handicap (1100m) on raw ability alone.
The Lonhro gelding was slow into stride but did muster speed quickly to take up the lead.
He then pinched a break on straightening and while hanging out over the final furlong still managed to salute by 4.5 lengths.
The win yielded I’m Usain a new master Timeform rating of 86p.
That figure has I’m Usain sitting well clear of this field on weight adjusted ratings and further improvement second up is on the cards with added fitness in his favour.
Even without anticipated improvement, I’m Usain would still take a power of beating here based on what he produced first up.
From an inside barrier, I’m Usain should bounce to the front and dictate terms.
The gelding can pinch a break around the turn once again and likely won’t look back.
I’m Usain is very much a horse on the up and winning Thursday’s Benchmark 60 Handicap (1000m) really does appear a natural progression for the three-year-old.
It becomes even clearer when looking at his main dangers, one of which is Battle Street.
The Wayne Seelin-trained gelding has won two of his past three starts, the latest when overpowering his rivals late at Taree.
His effort while good, was ten pounds shy of the impressive figure I’m Usain ran to last start and on Thursday has to carry noticeably more weight than his more fancied rival.
The competition only becomes weaker from there.
Zero Cash was safely accounted for on resuming at Gosford last start however finds an easier race here.
The mare is capable of better as evidenced last campaign and possesses good second up credentials.
Expect an improved result from the four-year-old but whether she can lift enough to account for I’m Usain is doubtful.
Something similar can be said for Weepu.
While poor on resuming at Gosford, the Fubu gelding is another who can improve and at least keep things sporting.
Overall though, I’m Usain should justify his favouritism in Race 7 at Scone on Thursday.
